J a n u a r y 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 | Fo r s y t h H e r a l d . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 1 9 , N o . 4
It’s a trap!
Spoiler alert: New Star Wars movie same as the old ►►PAGE 8
Dudgeon not seeking reelection Wants to focus on business ►►PAGE 4
Day Center secured Family Promise one step closer ►►PAGE 10
Ledbetter, Light sworn in Pictured above: Christopher Light, far left, and Linda Ledbetter, center, pose with the rest of the City Council and Judge Richard Neville after being sworn in on Jan. 19. Read more, Page 7.
Forsyth has low unemployment
Rate one of lowest in metro Atlanta ►►PAGE 17
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2 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Nearly 18 months ago, in June 2014, Forsyth County Deputy Daniel Rush was shot in the leg outside the old Forsyth County Courthouse. But now he is back on duty. According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, “Deputy Rush is extremely grateful for the concern that the community has shown for him during his recovery.” Rush, a 30-year sheriff’s veteran, was shot when Dennis Marx, who was due in court that morning on drug and weapons charges, drove across the sidewalk, into the steps of the courthouse and then started shooting. He reportedly tried to run over Rush, who opened fire. Marx, who was acting alone, fired at the deputy through his windshield and struck the deputy in the leg. Marx was later killed by deputies. In July 2014, Rush was given the Deputy of the Year Award of Valor by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. The annual award is given to a deputy who “demonstrated an act of conspicuous heroism and bravery in the line of duty.”
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DUI arrests
►► Douglas John Hassinger, 48, of
Woodstock, was arrested Jan. 11 on Atlanta Road in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Jenny Anne Rackham, 30, of Gainesville, was arrested Jan. 9 on Buford Dam Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane, open container and no headlights. ►► Ryan M. Davis, 28, of Roseman Trail, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 9 on Ga. 400 in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Christina B. Povilaitis, 28, of Ivy Summit Court, Cumming, was arrested
Deputy Daniel Rush, left, with Sheriff Duane Piper after Rush returned to duty.
Jan. 7 on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming for DUI. ► ► Fred Wayne Hammock, 49, of Grants Path, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 10 on Winding Creek Drive in Cumming for DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, open container and obstruction of an officer. ►► George Herman Hall, 55, of Lakeview Trail, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 10 on Sanders Road in Cumming for DUI, possession of marijuana and failure to dim headlights. ►► Kurt Russell Newman, 25, of Ashley Drive, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 10 on Matt Highway in Cumming for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Richard Martin Roth, 45, of Dragonfly Court, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 9 on Shillham Court in Cumming for DUI.
See ARRESTS, Page 37
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POLICE BLOTTER All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
Man ‘dives in front of cars’ FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A 22-year-old man reportedly dove in front of multiple cars and was hit Jan. 14 on Buford Highway and Nuckolls Road. The driver told officers she saw the man standing on the side of the road when “he took the stance as if he was about to try and sprint across.” She said she slowed down but, as she got closer to him, he
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 3
Can LASIK Treat Astigmatism? By Niraj Desai, M.D.
Many of us have endured that peering glare from over the reading glasses of our eye doctor as they’ve leaned forward and said , “I’m sorry, but you have aSTIGMAtism’. I am not sure about you, but the first time I heard this from my eye doctor when I was 8, I only heard ‘STIGMA’! I walked away stigmatized, I suppose - and confused wondering what visual perils lay ahead of me!
Niraj Desai, MD.
I don’t think I really understood what astigmatism was until I studied the eye in medical school. Though simple in concept, explaining astigmatism to my patients has always been a bit challenging. It always ends up being a conversation about balls - footballs and soccer balls to be specific. God forbid I had a patient from a ‘futbol’ playing background as that conversation usually ended up in a discussion about why American football is played with your hands and still called ‘foot’ball. Or, how a soccer ball is really a football in the true sense. I decided to be more of a sporting secularist and I’ve modified my conversation now to include golf balls and eggs. Everyone may not like golf, but most people like eggs! They’re both white, small and hard to confuse. Cataract/Refractive Surgeon
Though, I have had the odd golfer tell me that his astigmatism is so bad, it makes his golf ball look like an egg! But, I suppose that is the point - let me explain with the aid of some simple diagrams that don’t involve balls or eggs. The best way to understand this diagram is to follow the beam of light from left to right. As the beam of light enters the eye, it is first bent by the cornea (the window of the eye) and then by the natural lens of the eye. In the diagram, the light appears NOT to come to a sharp focus, but instead has several points where it comes to focus on to the retina (light processing tissue). If you look at the smaller eye diagram you see how light comes to a sharp focus when there is no astigmatism. When discussing astigmatism with patients, your doctor is referring to the shape of your cornea, which is the most important surface for the bending of light. A golf ball has a perfectly spherical surface. Should your cornea have a golf ball like spherical surface, you’d have zero astigmatism. Consequently, should your cornea have a surface like an egg (oval), light would be bent differently depending on where it struck the egg shape surface resulting in multiple points of focus on your retina. Practically speaking, a patient will experience blur when looking at objects when there is significant astigmatism. Life is not simple, and neither is astigmatism! There are different types of astigmatism and depending on what type you have, you may be able to correct this disorder with glasses, contact lenses, cataract surgery and LASIK.
I remain surprised at the persistence of the myth that astigmatism cannot be treated - that it is indeed a stigma for life. This may stem from the fact that in days past, severe astigmatism had limited success rates with contact lenses and laser vision correction, ie LASIK or PRK. Modern LASIK and PRK has evolved tremendously over the past decade and more. Look at the diagram above again. Your eye surgeon will first isolate the astigmatism as either coming from the cornea, lens or a combination of both. He will then typify the astigmatism as being regular or irregular. Maps of your astigmatism may resemble something like the image below. This patient has a beautiful example of ‘regular’ astigmatism - not the vertical bow tie on the top left corner. This map has a treasure trove of information that in years past was not available or understood fully. It is with the aid of sophisticated tools like the Galilei G4 Dual Scheimpflug Camera and Placido Disk Topography (a mouthful!) that your LASIK surgeon at Milan Eye Center is able to not only quantify, but qualify you for LASIK or PRK. It is important to note that not all patients qualify for laser vision correction. Astigmatism, therefore, is NOT a barrier to LASIK or PRK. You can be certain that your eye surgeon will conduct a detailed survey of your unique eye attributes before informing you whether you are a candidate or not and, perhaps, even talk about golf balls and eggs during your visit!
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NEWS
4 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
Chinmaya, Polo solve legal issues By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — After months of going back and forth, a mediation agreement between Polo Golf & Country Club Homeowners Association Inc., James Cartwright and Chinmaya Mission of Alpharetta seems to have resolved legal issues. County Attorney Ken Jarrard said the agreement would end litigation. “All of the various appeals will be withdrawn, the court cases will all be dismissed and we will all dust ourselves off and go forward,” Jarrard said. Beginning in September 2014, the Board of Commissioners approved a conditional use permit which allowed Chinmaya to use 35,000 square feet of facilities for a temple and educational center. In addition, they also received permission to build other buildings nearby, equating to just over 51,000 square feet with 311 parking spots. However in October 2014, the Polo Golf & Country Club Homeowners
All of the various appeals will be withdrawn, the court cases will all be dismissed and we will all dust ourselves off and go forward,” KEN JARRARD County Attorney
Association appealed the decision, saying they were not provided a required participation letter and the wrong permit application number was used at a public meeting. In May 2015, they were denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the request to appeal that decision
was then denied by the BOC in June 2015. In May 2015, Forsyth County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Bagley ruled against allowing Chinmaya to move forward. But in July 2015, Bagley issued a final order that overturned his decision that May, allowing Chinmaya to continue. One of the reasons the building was questioned is because there has been talk of it being used as a school as well as a place of worship. It is currently zoned as Agricultural District (A1), which allows a religious center with a conditional use permit, while a school or personal service center would not be allowed. It was eventually decided the center was more religious in nature rather than education, and was allowed. Jarrard said Chinmaya won’t “improve its property on Pittman Road beyond 30,000 feet for a time period of five years, beginning Jan. 20. They will not improve beyond 35,000 feet for a period of 10 years.” Any other changes will have to come before the BOC.
Dudgeon not seeking reelection ATLANTA — Rep. Mike Dudgeon, R-Johns Creek / South Forsyth, announced Jan. 25 he will not run for reelection in 2016. “I really hate to leave the Georgia House, but the reality is that my business commitments no longer give me enough time to serve,” Dudgeon said. “In the private sector I am the Chief Technology Officer for Hirez Studios in Alpharetta, and we are now in full high tech growth company mode. In DUDGEON doing both jobs my work-life balance is not sustainable. Therefore I have to step away from politics for
Blotter: Continued from Page 2 reportedly “sprinted into the roadway and ‘dove headfirst’ in front of her car.” She said though she swerved to avoid him, she did hit him and returned to the scene to check on him. She told officers a third party told her the man had walked in the roadway in front of another car shortly before her car. He tried to reportedly walk away from the paramedics and said he needed to go home while looking alarmed or panicked. During the ambulance ride, the man reportedly tried to strike the paramedics. The man reportedly did not want to be helped but was transported
the time being.” Dudgeon has served 10 years in elective office, four on the Forsyth County Board of Education and six in the House. “I have a great district and great constituents, and I have loved representing them. They have my commitment I will vigorously pursue my legislative priorities for our area and the state as I finish this final session. I also hope to remain involved in policy, especially around education. I also will be offering to help consult with the legislature in the future on continuing to improve their technology.” For more information, email Dudgeon at mjdudgeon@ gmail.com
to Northside Hospital Forsyth, where he remained. He was issued a citation for pedestrian darting into traffic.
ransack the drawers.” The four men then reportedly became startled by employees so they fled to their car and left.
Robbers steal over 200 packs of cigarettes
Family returns home to burglary scene
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A group of robbers really needed a smoke break Jan. 14. The group of four men robbed the RaceTrac gas station on McFarland Parkway at 3:49 a.m., but they didn’t take any money. Instead, they took about 200 to 400 individual packs of cigarettes valued at about $1,800. The men reportedly entered the store with their faces covered and made their way around the counter. They proceeded to “grab part of the cigarette display case off the wall and
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A Spring Breeze Terrace family in Johns Creek went out to dinner Jan. 15 and returned to find their home the scene of a break-in. The victims told police they left their home about 6:30 p.m. and returned after 9. When they got home they found the back door smashed. Reported missing from the home were $3,000 cash, a gold ring with a diamond (valued at $5,000), a pearl necklace ($2,500 value) and a $700 watch.
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 5
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NEWS
6 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
Local conservative leader announces Library’s One World Forsyth Program to host Japanese, Chinese events candidacy for Forsyth commission FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – On Jan. 19, pharmaceutical sales representative, and former Forsyth County Republican Party treasurer, Justin Hawkins, announced his candidacy for county commissioner in Forsyth HAWKINS County’s District 5. Hawkins may face incumbent Jim Boff in this year’s May 24 primary election should Boff seek a third term. “After thoughtful consideration, much prayer and an outpouring of encouragement from my friends and family, I am excited to announce my candidacy for county commissioner,” Hawkins said. “As a lifelong resident of South Forsyth, I have witnessed our families and businesses high quality of life challenged by overcrowded schools, congested roads and increased property taxes.” “For too long, irresponsible residential growth has gone untested,” he said. “I will champion a homeowner centric platform to ensure every zoning is in the best interests of homeowners and
Forsyth County families, not special interests.” As a voice for taxpayers, homeowners and small businesses, Hawkins said he has pledged to fight against any new taxes, eliminate wasteful spending and foster an environment where homeowners have a strong voice in the direction of Forsyth County’s future. “As district five’s next commissioner, I will bring a fresh, energetic and innovative approach to county government—one where the status quo will be challenged. “Everyday, Forsyth County competes with communities nationwide to attract clean, high-paying, high-tech jobs,” said Hawkins. “I will work to foster an environment that allows our community to compete globally for these highly sought after jobs.” A Cum Laude graduate of Kennesaw State University, Hawkins graduated from South Forsyth High School. A devout Christian, he worships at North Point Community Church and the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit. For more information about Hawkins or his campaign for commission, visit Hawkins4Commissioner.org.
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Experience the culture and traditions of Asia with two special One World Forsyth events sponsored by the Forsyth County Public Library and the FCPL Friends and Advocates. First, visit the Sharon Forks Library at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 30 for One World Forsyth Celebrates Japan. Next, visit the Post Road Library for a One World Forsyth Chinese New Year Celebration beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 7. Both events are free and open to children and adults of all ages, with no advance registration required. The Japan-America Society of Georgia will share a hands-on presentation about Japanese culture, customers, language, and current events at the Sharon Forks Library. “JASG serves as the bridge between Georgia and Japan in terms of tourism and business. This short presentation will give participants an overview of Japan’s rich history and vibrant culture,” said Laura Bradley, Program Manager for the Library. Families are invited to ring in the
Year of the Monkey during the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Post Road Library. The event will begin with an interactive lion dance and kung fu performance from the Atlanta Contemporary Chinese Academy. “We think children will especially enjoy the lion dance. After the Academy’s performance, patrons of all ages can stay to create a craft, sample Chinese candy, and enjoy a fortune cookie,” Bradley said. For more information on these One World Forsyth event, or to find books, videos and other materials on Japanese and Chinese history and culture, visit forsythpl.org.
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NEWS
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 7
Change comes to Cumming: City Council gets new members By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — This past year has seen many changes for Cumming City Council. And on Jan. 19, two more new faces appeared in the council chambers. Linda Ledbetter was sworn in as the new Post 5 council member, while Christopher Light took the Post 4 spot. Councilman Lewis Ledbetter ran unopposed for his Post 3 seat and was sworn in again at the meeting. He’s held his post since 1971. Linda Ledbetter and Light are the most recent changes to the official group. First, former council member Rupert Sexton resigned in May 2015 and Chuck Welch took over the rest of Sexton’s Post 1 term, which ends Dec. 31, 2017. Sexton held that post for 44 years. Then in August 2015, John D. Pugh, of Post 5, and Ralph Perry, of Post 4, both announced their retirements. Pugh held his spot 1992, Perry since 1978. Light is an attorney with Lipscomb, Johnson, Sleister, Dailey & Smith in Cumming and is also the son of Darla Light, chairwoman for the Forsyth
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF
Linda Ledbetter is sworn in by Judge Richard Neville. County Board of Education. Mayor H. Ford Gravitt said he’s known Light since he was a baby. Light said it was exciting to have his first meeting under his belt. “I’m excited to get started and get my feet wet,” Light said. “I can’t wait to know the processes and get really engrained in what’s going on in the city. I can’t wait to get going serving the city that I love. Throughout the whole process of campaigning we’ve been working
Christopher Light takes the oath of office as his wife looks on.
hard so this is a culmination of everything we hoped and prayed for. I can’t complain about anything.” Linda Ledbetter is the second woman to be on the council and the first woman to serve since the mid1950s. Gravitt said she was honored and “ready to be a cheerleader as a hard worker for the people of Cumming and Forsyth County.” “This is something I’ve wanted to
do since I moved to Cumming,” Linda Ledbetter said. “I’ve wanted to be on the City Council so I’m very excited about the possibilities for things to come.” As for being the first woman elected in over 50 years, she said, “It feels awesome. “I’m very thankful the voters would vote for another woman,” she said. “It’s been a long time. Women are always an influence on the council — hopefully good.”
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8 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
OPINION
Welcome, Star Wars: Hollywood’s walk on the safe side new council members Spoiler alert: This is a candid review of that cultural phenomenon known as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” so if you haven’t seen it yet, and you want to be totally surprised, then don’t read any farther.
For the first time in over 20 years, the city of Cumming is seeing new faces on their city council. In not even a year, three new members have joined and are bringing fresh ideas, KATHLEEN STURGEON new perspectives and a youthful optimism Reporter kathleen@appenmediagroup.com to one of the country’s longest running councils. I want to applaud the city for voting in these new council members.
I’ve had the chance to speak with each of the newly elected officials and I have to say they all seem like great people who are ready and excited to help their beloved city. I think this can only bring positive changes to this close-knit community. I’ve had the chance to speak with each of the newly elected officials and I have to say they all seem like great people who are ready and excited to help their beloved city. But the fact that they are the first new members to join since 1992 isn’t the only milestone achieved. Linda Ledbetter took office this past week, becoming just the second woman ever to join the Cumming City Council. The last woman took office in the mid-1950s. That’s over half a century without a women on the council! Not only did the council need fresh blood, they needed a woman’s touch, too. Almost everyone at the council meeting on Jan. 19 said over and over how historic the moment was and you could feel the excitement in the air. While the past council members did a fine job leading the city, I can only imagine how well these recent additions will complete their duties. This is just the first of many more historic moments to come to Cumming and I can’t wait to witness them all.
Han Solo dies. See, I told you not to read any farther. Not to worry, though. This is Hollywood and anything or anybody can be resurrected – including an entire movie. Just HATCHER HURD wait and see. Executive Editor hatcher@appenmediagroup.com Having two grandsons can mean you have to repeat yourself. Take the latest “Star Wars” film. I saw it with one grandson, so naturally I had to take the other. That caused a bit of row because Grandson Chase said it wasn’t fair because Grandson Tripp got to go twice. Well, life is unfair. But seeing that “Star Wars” in now in its seventh incarnation, I am moved to comment about it. First let me say I fell in love with “Star Wars” in 1977. I was a Trekkie in the 1960s, and a sci-fi buff since I read my first Robert Heinlein novel in the seventh grade. The first three installments that came out were great fun, full of cutting-edge special effects, loopy humor and an homage to the great early sci-fi serials such as “Flash Gordon.” Then came the long-awaited prequels (for future clarification and my sanity, when I refer to “Star Wars” films, I will use the chronology of when they were released, not the dorky episode numbers used in the “Star Wars” conceit). I was not moved to see them because what I had heard about the films sounded turgid and boring. The original “Star Wars” trilogy was enough for me. But this new movie did intrigue me. First, from the movie trailers I saw a “Star Wars” landscape I was familiar with. The old Storm Troopers were back along with a touch of the panache and puckish humor that graced the originals. But Hollywood is first and foremost a business. So when Disney bought the “Star Wars” franchise in 2012 for $4 billion, you knew Jar Jar Binks would be nowhere to be seen. Sure enough, the latest “Star Wars” film was chock full of visual and plot cues to know this was going to faithfully follow the original “Star Wars” plot.
It was so faithful that it is almost indistinguishable from the first one. For the logic of this I will recommend to you the most excellent book about the film industry, especially the cut-throat business side of it, by William Goldman. His “Adventures in the Screen Trade” gives a somewhat jaundiced account of how Hollywood works. Goldman’s first and foremost rule for Hollywood is always repeat what worked before. Originality is not bankable. That is why when small, original movies hit it big, the sequels are spit out like watermelon seeds. Think of “Rocky,” now translated into its seventh iteration, or a particular favorite of mine, “The Magnificent Seven,” which produced three sequels and a TV series – and was itself a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s “The Seven Samurai.” Other examples abound – “Lethal Weapon” and “Die Hard” are but two more. So, given the $4 billion investment, it is little wonder that almost every plot line in the origin of the franchise shows up in Disney’s version. Billed as the next installment it is really the same installment with a new paint job. The George Lucas original begins with the young protagonist on a desert planet, raised by foster parents, and he is drawn into a “big adventure” when he meets a cuddly robot. The Disney version is much different. A young protagonist living on an arid planet, who is waiting for her parents to come back for her, meets a cuddly robot that draws her into a big adventure. So the protagonist is a girl – big, big difference. The villains in the Lucas version use warriors in white armor and fly space fighters that swarm like bees. In the Disney version the villains use warriors in slightly more sleek white armor but the same fighters that swarm like bees. So in version 1, we have Luke, and in version 2 we have Rey, but I call “Lucille” and likewise we have Darth Vader in the Lucas version and, oh, let’s call him Li’l Darth because he is the grandson of Darth. And although Li’l Darth is a perfectly formed human, he still wears the black armor and helmet of Darth and uses a voice speaker that makes him talk like Darth. But our little Lucille goes on to meet Han Solo – yes, the Han who would also raid lost arks – so that we cannot mistake this for anything other than the true sequel to the Lucas epic. Princess Leia is there, only now she is General Leia – a more feminist role, certainly. Now the plot in Lucas’ “Star Wars”
is the evil Galactic Empire which has a Death Star (a weapon as big as a moon, so you know it’s bad) which is going to destroy the planet that is home to The Rebels. Again, the plot is much different in the new version. It’s the evil First Order 30 years later, which has arisen to challenge Leia’s people (who are still called The Rebels, I suppose for continuity). They have a new Death Star, which is three times the size of the old one. But somehow there is still one Achilles heel that, if hit, will destroy the whole thing. So guess what happens? Right in one. Now just to make sure we are snug in our “Star Wars” cocoon, we meet original cast members Harrison Ford (Han) and Carrie Fisher (Leia) with a cameo by Mark Hamill (Luke). Then R2-D2 and C-3PO show up along with the Wookiee (Chewbacca). In this version Chewbacca gets all the best lines. So there you have it. Disney did not run out a sequel to “Star Wars.” They simply did a remake. And with a $4 billion franchise to protect, should we have expected anything else? Of course not. We want our old characters back. We want Han Solo skirting trouble with unsavory types he’s skinned in some deal. We want C-3PO and R2-D2 trading barbs. We like walking into another Star Bar that echoes Rick s Café Americain in Casablanca. We want to recapture that old warm and fuzzy feeling for that world Lucas created. So why did they kill off Harrison Ford at the end of this move? Well, death is only permanent outside of Hollywood. Inside, anything is possible, especially resurrection.
SCHOOLS
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 9
Forsyth’s Alliance Academy changed from charter to IE2 school Potential career academy still happening By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — In a recent turn of events, the proposed career academy — the Alliance Academy for Innovation of Cumming-Forsyth County Inc. — has changed after the Forsyth County Board of Education switched the school from a charter to an IE2. “Basically, Forsyth County is an IE2 school district while other school districts are charter systems,” said Valery Lowe, director of workforce development for Forsyth County Schools. “In order to qualify for grant money available through the College and Career Academy Network, this school would have needed to be a charter school. Rather than adding another layer of governance, we will proceed with the school without having to make this school a charter school.” According to the Georgia Department of Education’s website, “a Strategic Waivers School System, or SWSS/ IE2 system, is a local school district that operates under the terms of a SWSS/IE2 contract between the state
board of education and the local board of education. The system receives flexibility in the form of waivers of certain state laws, rules and guidelines in exchange for greater accountability for increased student performance.” The BOE met Jan. 14-15 to discuss its plans to apply for the College and Career Academies grant opportunity, Lowe said. “With all of the flexibilities given to us under our IE2 contract, we see no reason at this time to run a separate charter school simply to qualify for seed money to assist with what will be a much larger local investment,” Lowe said. “With the amount of local support and attention this project has garnered, we are actively moving forward in designing a unique workforce development campus for our students as we speak.” Now the county is applying for the Georgia Department of Education Capital Outlay Program, which has an Aug. 15 deadline. Requirements include a site approval, deed to property to secure facility code and local funds. In addition, a general contract was awarded so work on the infrastructure
The difference between a charter and an IE2 school A IE2 system is a local school district that operates under the terms of an IE2 contract between the state board of education and the local board of education. The system receives flexibility in the form of waivers of certain state laws, rules and guidelines in exchange for greater accountability for increased student performance. A charter school is a public school of choice that operates under the terms of a charter, or contract, with an authorizer, such as the state and local boards of education. Charter schools receive flexibility from certain state and local rules in exchange for a higher degree of accountability for raising student achievement. Charter schools are held accountable by their authorizer(s) for upholding the terms of their charter. *From Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org
will commence in October 2016 to meet the 18-month schedule to open in August 2018. In September 2015, the Forsyth County Public Facilities Authority approved $20 million in funding for the project. Also that month, FCS applied for a $3 million grant from the lieutenant governor’s office; however in December 2015 it was deferred. The Academy is described as a workforce development campus offering a unique curriculum for students. The facility would serve up to 1,000 ninth through 12th graders and provide
secondary and continuing education for individuals, organizations, small businesses and corporations. There would be real-world experience in simulated work environments. With plans to situate the facility centrally in the county in the city of Cumming, it would also have programs in partnership with the University of North Georgia and Lanier Technical College, as well as dual enrollment available. Potential career pathways include drone technology, energy systems, hospitality and tourism, health care and wire law and public safety.
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10 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
COMMUNITY
Family Promise secures day center By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Family Promise of Forsyth County is trying to lower the number of the over 400 homeless children in Forsyth County, and they just got one step closer to achieving that goal. The group, which is in the process of becoming established in the county, recently announced it has secured a day center, a crucial part of getting started. The day center will help get people back on their feet in a more permanent way. In order to combat homelessness, Family Promise is planning to respond by “integrating educational outreach, smart programming, effective policies and the hands-on work of thousands of volunteers.” They also hope to provide food and shelter for homeless families. “It basically means we will be able to, in the very near future, help homeless children and their families,” said Lu Leeds, the host recruitment chairman for Family Promise of Forsyth. “We now basically have an agreement with Freedom Tabernacle Church. They are going to rent us a house that’s on their
Director of Hall County Family Promise, Lindsey McCamy, encouraged the Forsyth County Family Promise group to keep pushing forward. She shared her journey with FP and a few stories of folks who were helped by the program. property called the Freedom House. That will be our day center. That’s where the director, when hired, will be, and social workers. Families will go there to be screened during the day when the children are waiting for the busses. After school they will be bussed from school to that day center. We’re really tickled about that.”
Leeds and others with Family Promise have been working on bringing the program to Forsyth for over a year and a half. The national office of Family Promise said it could take from 18 months to two years to establish the program. Nine churches in the area have signed on to be “host churches,” Leeds said, meaning churches rotate the responsibility of allowing families to come and stay in their facilities with no more than 14 people, either three or four families, for a week at a time, four times a year. Families will stay in the local churches from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. A van will then pick them up in the morning and take them to the day center, which will have showers, washers, dryers and computers to look up jobs. “Forsyth County Schools coordinates with us,” Leeds said. “At the day center they pick up school-age children to bring to their own school so children aren’t changing schools like they do with churches. This way they have the stability of staying in the same school.” This is crucial because FCS, including their social workers, was one of the major reasons Family Promise came to
the county. Amy Gamez, a FCS social worker, said she saw a need in the county and it broke her heart to know these children may not be successful in the future because of their situation. Gamez said there is sometimes a stigma associated with Family Promise, with people thinking this will bring homeless people to the community. Instead, she said it will help people who are already Forsyth County residents who have become homeless and are struggling. “We look at Forsyth County and see one of the richest counties in the nation and forget about the folks who lived here before big developers bringing in $500,000 to $800,000 homes,” Leeds said. “They forget those people’s taxes have gone up and almost have been pushed out (because of) that. There are a lot of common folks living in cars or trailers and they need help. The future of Forsyth County has to realize we’re not only richest in the nation, we need to help neighbors.” There will be an open house Feb. 6 from 1-3 p.m. For information on Family Promise and the open house location, visit familypromiseofforsythcounty.org.
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12 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
COMMUNITY
CASA hosts 8th CASA superhero run Raises money for child advocacy program CUMMING, Ga. — CASA of Forsyth County, Inc. announced Jan. 19 it will hold its eighth annual CASA Superhero Run on Feb. 20. The event will be held at Fowler Park, located at the corner of Ga. 9 and Castleberry Road in south Forsyth County. The Peachtree-qualifier course will spill out onto the Big Creek Greenway and is a flat, fast course, perfect for the serious runner, families and everyone in between. Because the Court Appointed Special Advocate program believes every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes, this CASA Superhero Run will feature a superhero theme. In addition to awards for top male and female runners, there will be a contest to recognize the best and most creative superhero costumes. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costume but it is not mandatory to participate in the run/walk. The CASA Superhero Run raises
much-needed funding used to train volunteer child advocates who become the voice of an abused and/or neglected child in juvenile court deprivation proceedings. “The relationship formed between a CASA volunteer and the child becomes a stable part of an otherwise chaotic life for a child in foster care,” said Janet Walden, executive director of CASA of Forsyth County, Inc. “So often DFCS case managers change, therapists change, schools change and placements change for the child. The CASA volunteer is the one face in the crowd that is constant during a child’s journey through the child welfare system.” Entry fees for the CASA Superhero Run are $25 for individuals before Feb. 7/ $35 after Feb. 7. Fees for the 1K Fun Run are $10 each in advance/ $15 after Feb. 7. Participants may also sign up as teams with five or more runners. To registervisit http://bit.ly/ 1T8SFuj. Visit to North Georgia Running Company or call CASA at 770886-4082 for more info.
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14 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
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ROSWELL, Ga. – A Roswell resident has filed a lawsuit against longtime Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, claiming he is violating the law by staying in office. Michael Litten, a one-time supporter of WOOD Wood, filed the suit, claiming Roswell law forbids mayors from serving more than three terms in office. Wood is now in his fifth term. He will serve 20 years as chief executive by the time his term is up in 2017. When added to his predecessor’s three decades in office, that means Roswell will have had just two mayors for the past half-century. In 2010, the state legislature approved a law limiting the terms a Roswell mayor can run for. The state legislation – HB 1299 – says “no person who has been elected to three or more four-year terms of office as mayor shall be eligible for election to the office of mayor.” This only applies to Roswell. Minutes from meetings at the time suggest the term limits were to take effect going forward, not retroactively, however the law itself does not clarify this. Wood said he would not comment on pending litigation and deferred to Roswell City Attorney David Davidson. Davidson could not be reached before
Details from the Jan. 25 Roswell Council meeting were not available at the time of press. Please visit NorthFulton.com for more details. deadline, but has told other media the city does not comment on pending litigation. Wood came to prominence when he ran in 1997 against Roswell Mayor “Pug” Mabry, who had been in office since 1967. Wood won the mayor’s seat in part by championing term limits. Wood is now in his fifth term, having been reelected in 2013. His current term expires in 2017. “We were so fired up to unseat Pug, who was in there forever,” said Litten of Wood’s first campaign. “Jere ran on two platforms – stop the sprawl and term limits and he won. We were all excited.” When Wood announced his candidacy for a third term in 2005, Litten said he “felt betrayed.” Litten chose to run against Wood in a busy field for the office. Wood eventually won re-election. “I believe incumbency is one of the roots of evil in our political system,” Litten said. “I can’t stand career politicians.” He said that there were almost 100,000 residents in Roswell, many of whom would make good mayors. Incumbents discourage these people from running, he said. When Litten found out about the term limit law, he chose to sue Wood to remove him from office. Litten’s lawsuit will come before a judge who will determine if it should progress or not.
COMMUNITY
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 15
Registration open for fire dept. citizens’ fire academy Free program educates about fire, emergency services FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Are you interested in learning about Forsyth County’s fire and emergency services? If so, be sure to register for the upcoming session of the Forsyth County Fire Department Citizens’ Fire Academy. Participants in this free 10-week program will gain an inside look at the profession of firefighters by learning about the variety of services offered by the fire department, learning about fire and firefighting equipment, and interacting with first responders. The upcoming session of the Citizens’ Fire Academy will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on 10 consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning Tuesday, March 1 and continuing through May 3, with final end-of-session activities on Saturday, May 7. The course will be held at
Fire Department Headquarters at the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex located at 3520 Settingdown Road in northern Forsyth County. Participants must be 25 years of age or older, have no prior felony conviction, pass an acceptable background check and be a resident of Forsyth County. Participants must be willing to make a 10-week commitment to the program. Offered since 2014, the Citizens’ Fire Academy provides participants with a unique opportunity for insight into the fire department operations. “The Forsyth County Fire Department is here to serve our citizens,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “We take tremendous pride in engaging the community through our Citizens’ Fire Academy. It is a truly unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the many services provided by the Forsyth County Fire Department and to meet some of the fine men and women who make up
... It is a truly unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the many services provided by the Forsyth County Fire Department and to meet some of the fine men and women who make up this great department.” DANNY BOWMAN Fire Chief this great department.” Those interested in applying for the Citizens’ Fire Academy must submit a completed application, a signed and notarized liability release, and a signed and notarized confidentiality agreement. The application packet is available on the fire department’s page on the Forsyth County website at www. forsythco.com. Space in the program is limited. Submit completed application packets by Feb.19 to: Mail: Forsyth County
Fire Department ATTN: Rebecah Green 3520 Settingdown Road Cumming, Ga. 30028 Fax: (770) 887-4910 E-mail: rlgreen@forsythco.com If submitted via fax or e-mail, original copies should be retained by applicants to turn in during the first meeting of the Citizens’ Fire Academy. For information about the Citizens’ Fire Academy, call (678) 513-5869.
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To influence people, you have to be able to listen to what they want. MAGGIE DECAN, HoneyBaked Ham President and COO
16 | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016
HoneyBaked Ham COO didn’t follow traditional path to top 2015 Most Powerful & Influential Woman rises from HR department to top leadership role By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Maggie DeCan, HoneyBaked Ham president and chief operating officer, admits that coming up through the human resources department is not your “traditional line of march” to where she is now. But for her it was the perfect course. DeCan topped off 2015 with the Most Powerful and Influential Woman Award from The National Diversity Council at its annual Leadership Conference at the Midtown Crown Plaza in Atlanta. Who knew she would take the tools given her to craft a successful path to the top. “I got out in the world in the mid’80s and went to work for Macy’s in executive retail training and went into HR,” DeCan said. “Thirteen years ago I became chief of human resources at HoneyBaked Ham. “Six years ago the boss said, ‘You know operations.’ And I was on my way.” Today, DeCan is responsible for $500 million in sales in the more than 400 franchise and company-owned locations nationwide as well as e-commerce sales. Under her leadership, HoneyBaked sales and profitability have grown for all lines of its business, nearly doubling sales over the last five years. She recently guided the company through a consolidation of all U.S. operations within a new Alpharetta national headquarters. Stores have
been remodeled, and DeCan has led the company’s foray into the Japanese market. All this is from an HR expert? DeCan says why not? Human resources provided the best background for leadership, and for good reasons, she said. “People are your best resource. HR teaches you good communication skills, listening and how to influence people,” she said. “To influence people, you have to be able to listen to what they want.” Macy’s, Belk and Circuit City were all growing companies when DeCan left each one as she climbed the corporate ladder. But while those companies were assessing her, she was assessing them. She found the fit she was looking for at HoneyBaked, which she credits for her opportunity. It’s not every place that would recognize her qualities but she allows the family-owned company is different. “It is female dominated. It is consumer based. And it is values driven,” she said. And when DeCan says core values, she says it’s not just a slogan stuck on the walls or on the business cards. “It’s what is in our hearts,” she said. That means getting involved with the community with such organizations as MUST Ministries and North Fulton Community Charities. “We’re a food company. So our niche is feeding people,” she said. The company is family-owned and majority female so the ownership is not particularly surprised to find leaders among the women executives.
“Having the day-today operations handled by women is the norm here,” she said. “And I think it is good for the consumer.” HoneyBaked has a somewhat unique marketing requirement also. At this company DECAN you have to be focused on your market. The ham business is seasonal with Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter the big events. “So we do 60 percent of our business in 30 days out of the year. We’re a midsized company, not huge,” she said. There isn’t room for error in such a short-time retail environment. “So our strategies have three- and five-year plans, not quarterly adjustments,” she said. The company is always thinking strategically. But it always starts by looking at its core customers. Who are they? The great majority are made up of families, so the company’s core values and strategic goals are to be involved in the communities they serve in ways that address family issues. A program developed by HoneyBaked Ham, Children’s Hour at the Table, is a direct result of that. The company gives a free 1-pound package of ham or turkey for signing a CHAT contract to provide stronger family ties by eating more meals together to promote familial togetherness and using the time for parents to engage their children in positive conversations. “The idea is to turn off TV and all digital media and talk,” she said. “How many T:\ADS_2015\NFAYP families do that in this day and age?”
Georgia Diversity Council honors DeCan Given Most Powerful & Influential Woman Award ATLANTA, Ga. – Maggie DeCan, president and chief operating officer of HoneyBaked Ham, was honored with the 2015 Most Powerful and Influential Woman Award from The National Diversity Council in November at its annual Leadership Conference at the Midtown Crown Plaza in Atlanta. DeCan also gave the keynote address on the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, and the benefits of a values-driven work culture. The award recognized DeCan’s ability to make a difference through her leadership, achievements and ability to excel in her field. The achievements recognized include generating results, improving revenue and profitability, affecting the direction of her organization and making a difference in the community. The Georgia Diversity Council is a nonprofit organization that campaigns for diversity and inclusion throughout Georgia in education, businesses and communities. DeCan was recognized by her peers including SunTrust Bank, The Honey Baked Ham Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Bank of America, The Home Depot, Georgia Pacific, Cap Gemini, NCR Corp., Graphic Packaging International, Popeye’s and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 17
Forsyth has record low unemployment rates By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County’s unemployment rate has hit a record low. According to the most recent data from the Georgia Department of Labor on county labor force estimates from November 2015, Forsyth has a labor force of 98,921 with 95,012 employed. That equates to 3,909 unemployed, or 4.0 percent. “Forsyth County’s low unemployment rate reflects the overall downward
trend as the U.S. economy continues to improve,” said Robert Long, vice president of economic development for the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. “It also reflects our skilled workforce. The high educational attainment of our citizens increases job security and makes it easier for them to find work if they are displaced.” In September 2015, Forsyth had a 4.3 percent unemployment rate. A year earlier, in November 2014, Forsyth stood at a labor force of 97,904 with 93,296 employed and 4,608 unemployed, or 4.7 percent.
Surrounding counties had unemployment rates of 5.2 percent (Fulton), 4.5 percent (Dawson), 4.2 percent (Hall), 4.0 percent (Cherokee), 4.6 percent (Pickens), 4.6 percent (Gwinnett) and 5.2 percent (DeKalb). Georgia’s county with the highest unemployed rate is Hancock at 10 percent, and the lowest is Oconee at 3.7 percent. The overall Georgia unemployment rate is 5.6 percent for November 2015, down from 6.7 percent in November 2014. The state job growth rate of 2.2 percent is higher than the national average, which is 1.9 percent.
Brett Fowler
Age: 29 Title/Company: Vice president of employee benefits at Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance Born in Tennessee, the youngest of two boys, Brett Fowler and his family moved to Gainesville when he was 8 years old. He attended the University of Georgia for a degree in risk management and insurance and now works in the same company as his father as an employee benefits broker. “My father is in the same business, so I grew up watching him work and was fascinated by the field,” Fowler
• • • • • • •
Fulton: 5.2 percent Dawson: 4.5 percent Hall: 4.2 percent Cherokee: 4.0 percent Pickens: 4.6 percent Gwinnett: 4.6 percent DeKalb: 5.2 percent
* From Georgia Department of Labor, November 2015 is the most recent statistics available
Qualifying potential customers
40 UNDER 40:
Editor’s note: The North Atlanta Business Post, an Appen Media Group publication, recently recognized 40 individuals under the age of 40 with outstanding accomplishments in their professional or extracurricular lives. Each week for the next 40 weeks, we will publish a profile showcasing one of these individuals. Visit NorthAtlanta BusinessPost.com for more info.
Metro Atlanta unemployment rates for November 2015
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said. “When I was in college I had the opportunity to shadow him and that really solidiFOWLER fied that this was the career path I wanted to pursue.” When he was 27 he became a partner at the agency. In 2012, he was named the Insurance Professionals of Gainesville Insurance Man of the Year and, in 2015, the Georgia Association of Health Underwriter’s Best and Brightest 40 under 40. His suggestion to those starting on their career paths is to get involved with their communities. “Not only is it important to give back and help others, but you will learn valuable life lesson and skills and form relationships with people that may help you along the way, both personally and in your career,” he said. Fowler met his wife, Laura, at UGA and they have one child. He enjoys spending his time with his family as well as volunteering and attending sporting events of all kinds.
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18 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
BUSINESSPOSTS
Roswell company makes offer for American Apparel Hagan Capital backs former CEO By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – A Roswell investor group has made a bid to buy troubled Delaware-based American Apparel. The Hagan Capital Group, and managing partner Chad Hagan, offered $300 million as part of a coalition of companies offering to buy the beleaguered clothing company. Hagan Capital Group has partnered with Silver Creek Capital Partners with a combined value of $2.4 billion for the bid. “We have a tiny but deep network of other global like-minded family offices,” Hagan said of the coalition. Hagan said most of his experience with turnarounds and takeovers has
been in the health care industry. He said the group’s first bid of $200 million was rejected by the board of American Apparel. It was then upped to $300 million. The board has its own debt restructuring plan, which is being considered by a judge. American Apparel filed for bankruptcy protection in October after 2015 saw declines in sales of more than 15 percent and a decrease in gross profit of 29 percent. In documents supplied by Hagan, the companies believe the bid can keep American Apparel operating and viable, helping its stakeholders and up to 10,000 employees. Part of the bid includes bringing back former executives with the company, including ousted CEO Dov Charney. Charney, the company founder, was fired in 2014 over allegations of financial mismanagement and violating a sexual-harassment policy. The new in-
Northside Plastic Surgery opens in Alpharetta Business name: Northside Plastic Surgery Opened: In practice for seven years, Dr. Majmundar went out on his own six months ago. Owner: Dr. Mike Majmundar What: The practice focuses exclusively on plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Majmundar’s complete approach to facial aesthetics promotes
healthy skin, youthful contours and natural results, without appearing “done” or artificial. Northside Plastic Surgery offers a full list of cosmetic services and its own two surgery suites (and overnight suite) in his building. Address: 11681 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta GA 30009 Phone: 770-475-3146 Website: www.northsideplasticsurgery. com.
vestors claim the charges were trumped up to remove Charney as part of an orchestrated plan against him. The documents claim these executives – including Charney - “are ready to lead the company towards a smooth transition under our ownership and back to its prior growth trajectory.” The documents refer to the period before Charney left the company in 2014. Hagan and the bidders suggest the company’s lagging sales are a direct result of Charney leaving and, with him, many top executives who all had in -depth knowledge of the company. With these people lost, cost-saving measures in the company were either underused or ignored.
The Exercise Coach opens in Roswell Business name: The Exercise Coach Opened: Jan. 4 Owners: Katie Sanders and Adam Stephens What: Introducing a new “smart-gym” concept, The Exercise Coach fitness studios solely use computers and robotics instead of dumbbells and treadmills. Locals Katie Sanders and Adam Stephens teamed up to open a
new innovative, high-tech fitness studio (“smart-gym”) called The Exercise Coach. The Roswell studio is significant in that it’s the first location of the national franchise to debut a completely computerized, quantified core fitness solution. Address: 1145 Woodstock Rd, Roswell Phone: 770-857-3269 Website: exercisecoach.com
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 19
20 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
CALENDAR
BOW TIES & PEARLS ROSWELL MARDI GRAS BALL
Benefitting the Emory ALS Center, the Krewe of Viola will present the inaugural Roswell Mardi Gras Ball, Bow Ties & Pearls. Feb. 6, 2016, 7-11 p.m. Country Club of Roswell, 2500 Club Springs Drive, Roswell. Visit facebook.com/ roswellmardigrasball for more info. Looking to get the word out about your event? Email us with photo and description of your event to calendar@appenmediagroup.com.
EVENTS: ALPHARETTA TOASTMASTERS CLUB SPEECH CONTEST
What: Alpharetta Toastmasters will hold its International Speech and Table Topics contest. When: Wednesday, Jan. 27, 7:15 p.m.8 p.m. Where: Kroger, 12870 Ga. 9, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (second-floor employee training room) More info: alpharettaclub.toastmastersclubs.org
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TOUR
What: For prospective families with elementary through high school children. Meet in the high school foyer. No reservation required. When: 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 Where: Fellowship Christian School, 10965 Woodstock Road, Roswell More info: fellowshipchristianschool.org
ROSWELL COLLECTING FOR TROOPS What: The Roswell Rotary Club, the city of Roswell and the Roswell Visitors Center is collecting donations for troops. This year’s recipients are the 1st Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Division in Iraq. When: Drop off donations by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 Where: Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell More info: 770-640-3253, visitroswellga.com
15TH ANNUAL ROSWELL ROOTS FESTIVAL
What: One of the largest and most comprehensive celebrations of black history and culture in the Southeast, the festival will feature a variety of events. When: Activities through Feb. 29 Where: Various locations throughout Roswell More info: roswellroots.com
ROSWELL RESTAURANT WEEK
What: Enjoy this citywide event that
encourages locals to try new dining options and invites new customers to the Roswell restaurant scene. Roswell Restaurant Week highlights the diverse culinary experiences Roswell has to offer. When: Sunday. Jan. 25-31 More info: roswellrw.com
FREE TAI CHI CLASS
What: A tai chi class will be offered to improve muscle tone and help prevent falls and improve balance, with instructor Bruce Watson. When: Thursday, Jan. 28, 10:45–11:45 a.m. Where: Forsyth County Parks & Recreation at Old Atlanta Park, 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee More info: 770-205-4646
PINECREST ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE
What: Pinecrest Academy, a private, PreK 3–12th-grade, college preparatory Catholic school, will have an open house. When: Sunday, Jan. 31, 1 p.m.-3pm. Where: Pinecrest Academy, 955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming More info: pinecrestacademy.org
BARNES & NOBLE STORY TIME
What: Children’s story time When: Generally Tuesdays, though some locations offer Saturdays, as well Where: Barnes & Noble (check website for location and hours) Cost: Free More info: barnesandnoble.com
BARNES & NOBLE STORY TIME
What: Children’s story time When: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. Where: Barnes & Noble, 7660 North Point Parkway Alpharetta Cost: Free More info: barnesandnoble.com
3RD ANNUAL PALESTINE CHILDREN’S RELIEF FUND TRIVIA NIGHT
What: A fun night of trivia! Show off your smarts and enjoy time with friends
and family while helping to support a great cause! When: Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m. Where: Casablanca Banquet Hall, 631 N Main Street #113, Alpharetta More info: Pcrfatlantayouth@gmail. com
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PREVIEW DAY
What: A drop-in open house event open to the public for prospective applicants and current families who would like to learn more about KRCS. When: Sunday, Jan. 31, 1:30 p.m.- 4 p.m. Where: King’s Ridge, 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta More info: kingsridgecs.org
MUSIC, ARTS & THEATER: ROSWELL VISITORS CENTER FEATURES ARTISTS’ WORKS
What: Works by two of North Fulton’s highly regarded artists, Joan Hilliard and Barry Etris, will be on exhibit, with originals available for purchase as well as a selection of prints. When: Through February Where: Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta St., Roswell More info: visitroswellga.com
SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS CLASSES, NEW EXHIBIT
What: Spring quarter registration opens; “Sights & Insights” exhibit opens. When: Registration begins Jan. 27; new exhibit opens Jan. 28 Where: Spruill Center for the Arts, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta More info: spruillarts.org
syth events, sponsored by the Forsyth County Public Library and the FCPL Friends and Advocates, will spotlight Japanese and Chinese events. When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sharon Forks Library to celebrate Japan; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 at Post Road Library to celebrate Chinese New Year. Cost: Free More info: forsythpl.org.
FRIENDS OF NE/SPRUILL OAKS LIBRARY WINTER BOOK SALE
What: Wide range of books and media for sale at super prices! Donations welcome. When: Preview sale for Friends, members only, Thursday, Jan. 28, 1-5 p.m. Memberships available at the door. Public sale Friday, Jan. 29, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.-4p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 31, 2-4 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info: 770-360-8820
NATURALIZATION WORKSHOP
What: Sponsored by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, this workshop presented by Edly Vliet shares information needed about the U.S. naturalization process. Adults only. No reservations required. Free and open to the public. When: Saturday, Jan. 30, 10:30-11:30 am. Where: Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek More info: 770-360-8897
ALPHARETTA BOOK-TO-ACTION GROUP
What: “Love Is A Verb” is an examination of a social movement of Sufi-inspired Muslims that began in Turkey in the 1960s and now reaches across the globe. The group is called Hizmet, the Turkish word for service, or the Gulen Movement after its inspiration, leader and beloved teacher Fethullah Gulen, a man that Time Magazine named one of the most influential leaders in the world in 2013. When: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 Where: Regal Cinemas Avalon, 3950 1 St., Alpharetta Cost: $12 per person More info: tugg.com/events/82771#
What: This book group is more than a simple book club; it’s a call to action for all ages! Each month’s books will highlight a need in the community and offer a way for participants to help. January’s books will focus on hunger, poverty, and how hard times can hit anyone, anywhere. A food drive will accompany the readings and all food donated will be presented to North Fulton Community Charities. We are seeking donations of nonperishable items, no glass containers. Please stop by the library to pick up available copies of this month’s books. When: Saturday, Jan. 30, 1 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: 404-613-6735
LIBRARY EVENTS:
WEDDING PLANNING
“LOVE IS A VERB” SCREENING
For a complete list of North Fulton events, go to afpls.org/events For a complete list of Forsyth events, go to forsythpl.org/eventCalendar/eventCalendar.aspx
ONE WORLD FORSYTH PROGRAM TO HOST JAPANESE, CHINESE EVENTS What: Two special One World For-
What: Now that you are engaged it’s time to plan for your special day! There’s a lot of work to do. Let us show you how. When: Saturday, Jan. 30, 3 p.m. Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton More info: 404-613-4402
See CALENDAR, Page 22
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22 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
CALENDAR
Calendar: Continued from Page 20 COOKING WITH CHEF LYNN
What: Enjoy seasonal samples while learning insider tips and recipes from Chef Lynn Ware. When: Monday, Feb. 1, 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: 404-613-6735
Forsyth’s Kissin’ Bridge What did the Georgia landscape look like 100 years ago? It would have been very different from what we see today, and one difference would have been the large number of covered STEVE HUDSON bridges. Get Outside Georgia, Chattahoochee Media Group Why were they covered? Maybe because horses and mules didn’t like crossing “open” bridges. Maybe to protect the substructure from the weather. Or maybe (and this is my favorite) to provide … well … a little privacy for young couples out for an afternoon stroll. In that roll they worked pretty well. I can affirm that, possibly from personal experience. These days, few of Georgia’s covered bridges remain. But one that does is Poole’s Mill Bridge, centerpiece of Poole’s Mill Bridge Park just up the road in Forsyth County. Whether you’re looking for something different to do with the kids or just want to touch a piece of history, this is a park you don’t want to miss. The bridge is on land where, in the early 1820s, Cherokee chief George Welch operated a grist mill. After the Cherokee were forcibly removed following the discovery of Georgia gold, the land went through several owners and was eventually acquired by Dr. M. L. Pool, who added a cotton gin in 1920. But the area’s economy was changing. In 1947 the mill was abandoned and soon fell into disrepair. It burned in 1959. What about the bridge? The first bridge at the site was an uncovered bridge which washed away in 1899. It was replaced by a new structure – a 96-foot-long covered bridge – in 1901. Built in what’s called the lattice truss style, that new bridge relied on wooden pegs called trunnels to hold
everything together. The lumber was drilled on-site for those pegs, but builders soon discovered that the holes were in the wrong places. Some say that the man who incorrectly drilled them quickly left the area, taking with him a gallon of corn whiskey! That’s a great story. It may even be true. But in any case the holes were soon re-drilled (under the watchful eye of a new and presumably more focused supervisor) and the bridge was eventually finished. You can still see the incorrectly drilled holes in the bridge today. The bridge stood for many years, though it eventually began to show its age. It might have disappeared altogether but for a restoration effort in the 1990s which saved the bridge and also led to acquisition of the surrounding property for creation of what’s now Poole’s Mill Park. Today, the bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. Poole’s Mill Park is an inviting place. You’ll find a children’s playground, swings, short walking trails and picnic tables (with grills) near the creek. There’s also a large covered picnic pavilion, with restroom facilities, which can be reserved by contacting Forsyth County Parks & Recreation. During warm months you may see folks fishing in the creek – and you’ll certainly see kids of all ages enjoying the well-known sliding rocks located within the park just downstream from the bridge. Poole’ Mill Park is located at 7725 Pooles Mill Road, Ball Ground. From Ga. 400, take Ga. 2 west to Heardsville Road. Go right (north) on Heardsville Road for about one mile to Pooles Mill Road, on your right. The park is at the corner of Poole’s Mill Road and Heardsville Road. Steve Hudson has written numerous books on fishing, hiking, the outdoors and more. Check them out at www.chattahoocheemedia.com.
ROSWELL ROOTS: FAMILY STORYTIME WITH JOSIE BAILEY
What: Josie Bailey’s original tales about real historic figures and slave times and her unique retelling of Uncle Remus favorites bring to life the experiences of our ancestors. When: Monday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. Where: Roswell Library,115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: 770-640-3075
COLLEGE PLANNING STARTS EARLIER THAN YOU THINK
What: Presented by Abacus TD.com and an Emory professor who reviews college applications and essays and interviews admissions/scholarship candidates. Course selection, grades, SAT and other test scores, extracurricular activities, essay writing skills, interviewing techniques and how they all relate to college admission. Parents encouraged to attend. Ages 13-18. When: Tuesday, Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek More info: 770-360-8820
NINE-WEEK FINANCIAL PLANNING CLASS
What: Marsha Spear, CFP, will facilitate this nine-week workshop focusing on your retirement years. When: 2-3 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Feb. 3 Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton More info: 404-613-4402
CHRONIC DISEASE SELFMANAGEMENT CLASS
What: Manage chronic diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, lung and heart disease and pain. Taught by certified peer CDSM trainers. Adults. When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Feb. 3 Where: East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell More info: 404-613-4050
BOOK WIDOW’S COUPLES WHO READ TOGETHER DISCUSSION
What: Four local authors discuss how to get both parties in a relationship reading. They also provide gift ideas for your favorite reader’s Valentine’s Day gift. When: Wednesday, Feb. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton More info: 404-613-.4402
ROSWELL LIBRARY BOOK SALE
What: Book sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Roswell Library. All proceeds go back into the library. When: Feb. 4-7, 10 a.m.-5:30 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 2-5:30 on Sunday. Where: Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell More info: 770 643 4839
FRIENDS OF THE ALPHARETTA LIBRARY BOOK SALE
What: Come support the library shopping at the Friends’ Book Sale. All ages. Library porch and Friends Bookstore. When: Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Alpharetta Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta More info: 404-613-6735
PET ADOPTIONS: FORSYTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
What: Pet adoptions When: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: The Forsyth County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way, Forsyth County More info: 678-965-7185
FULTON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
What: Pet adoptions When: Every Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m., PetSmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta Additional adoptions: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fulton County Animal Services, 860 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta More info: 404-613-4958
OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE: “DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” DISCOUNTED STUDENT TICKETS
What: Broadway’s classic fairy tales returns to the Fox Theatre for a week of musical enchantment. For any local college students looking for a night of romantic hilarity mixed with magic and charm, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta presents a special $25 Student Rush ticket price. When: Feb. 2-7, times vary Where: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta More info: broadwayinatlanta.com
MARDI GRAS STREETCAR ADVENTURE
What: The 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Streetcar Adventure, a tour including nine locally owned restaurants, bars and attractions with a New Orleans vibe. When: Saturday, Feb. 6, 1 p.m. Where: Park Bar at Centennial Olympic Park and Sweet Auburn Curb Market off Edgewood Avenue More info: AtlantaBarTours.com.
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 23
Montessori Kids Academy 3034 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041 www.montessoricumming.com
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24 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
24 | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016
Sponsored Section
Celebrate the New Year with New Friends
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here comes a time in your life when you would rather spend more time doing the things you enjoy and spend less time worrying about the upkeep of your home. A growing number of retirees prefer the active lifestyle of an independent retirement community such as Ashwood Meadows in Johns Creek. The time saved by not having to cook, clean and do yard work is now time well spent on family, friends and hobbies. Whether it is continuing to do what you love or learning a new leisure activity, you can now have the freedom to pursue your passions without the
worry of everyday tasks. Ashwood Meadows supports our resident’s desire for a fulfilling, fun and active lifestyle. Whether it is gardening, painting, dining or dancing, we offer our residents the opportunity for fun. With hot air balloon excursions, day trips to museums and even thrillseeking helicopter rides, our residents always have the chance to try something new and exciting. If you prefer rolling up your sleeves and working with your hands, we have jewelry
making, art classes, a resident chef club and lots of additional hands-on activities.
With free local transportation, scheduled outings and on-site daily activities, our retirees have monthly calendars brimming with things to
do. As with every excursion and activity, it is up to our residents to get involved in as little or as much as they would like. Not to mention, our caring staff is always open to suggestions and feedback for fun new activities, outings and even meal options. Ashwood Meadows offers studio, one bedroom and two bedroom/two bath suites with no buy-ins or leases. We know that many older adults live on a fixed income, and that’s why Ashwood operates on
Jump into the New Year at ... Dive into the New Year with Johns Creek’s best option for Independent Retirement Living! At Ashwood Meadows, there are never any buy-in fees and everything is included in one reasonable monthly rent, even the utilities, except phone. Spend 2016 discovering how exciting independent retirement living can be! Please call to arrange your complimentary meal and personal tour!
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a month-to-month rental basis with no hidden costs, expenses, or add-ons. Meals, transportation, weekly housekeeping and all utilities except phone are always included in the flat monthly rental. Plus, pets are welcome too. Our residents breathe easy knowing their budget will be balanced and easy to manage every month. Ashwood Meadows is located at 11190 Medlock Bridge Road. We invite you to drop in for a personal tour, talk with our residents and enjoy a complimentary meal with us. Please call us at 770-476-4429 to arrange your visit. We look forward to meeting you!
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EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section
Innovative hair restoration By Dr. Daniel Danyo Hair transplantation and modern hair restoration techniques are becoming more mainstream and the public’s interest about it is exploding. Just ask Brian Urlacher, former linebacker of the Chicago Bears who used to be the epitome of a man bearing a cleanly-shaven head. Wait a minute, did I just write the words “used to be.” Indeed, because last month he revealed to the world a new look - a full head of his own permanent hair. Months prior to that, Brian had undergone hair transplantation. The TV and social media went wild. So what made a man that was so epitomized by the look of his shaved head choose to undergo hair transplantation. Better yet, why was there so much media attention and chatter on social websites discussing his dramatic change. Well, without sounding too much like a cliché - with modern day hair restoration techniques performed on many, the possible is now a reality. Brian’s desire to have hair transplantation to reverse his severe hair loss was directly related to the reality of an amazing transformation. The public did not view this transformation with shame, but applauded the results. The hair restoration industry for the
past several years has undergone dramatic change and innovation. Apart from hair transplantation, Stem Cell activation therapies such as platelet rich plasma injection therapy offer more options to restore one’s DANYO hair. Modern techniques do not give the appearance of visible plugs or doll’s hair - we now transplant single hairs or follicle groupings which deliver a natural result. Though I did not do Brian’s hair transplantation, I have been privileged to work on similar individuals, who experienced similar results. I am the sole owner and physician at North Atlanta Hair Restoration. I believe that getting the best results requires using the most up-to-date techniques. I also recognize that my patient’s desire reasonable prices, quick recovery, concealment that a procedure was completed, the possibility to do large/multiple cases and multiple options. We strive to offer this to all of our patients and more. Go to our website at www.nahairrestoration.com or book a free consultation with me by calling 678-845-7521.
Hearing with your brain? By Dr. Deborah Woodward Johns Creek Audiology Hearing affects EVERYTHING between your ears. If you’re like most people, you’re used to thinking of hearing as something that happens in your ears. What people often don’t think about is what happens between their ears, in the hearing part of their brain. That’s where sound becomes information that has meaning. Your brain has to work hard to make this happen. When the sound signals from your ears are compromised, your brain has to work even harder to fill in the gaps. This extra effort can take its toll. In fact, studies have shown that, over time, hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression. That’s why it makes sense to take care of your hearing health the same way you care about the rest of your health: There’s a lot more riding on it than just your hearing. What happens when you have a hearing challenge? The natural relationship between your ears and brain is disrupted. This
is why it takes so much more effort to follow what is being said and why you may feel so much more tired at the end of a busy day. It’s your brain that hears - Not your ears. Your ears and your brain work together as a system, with your brain doing most of the heavy lifting. Give your brain exactly what it
See BRAIN, Page 26
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 25
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26 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section
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By Amy Ledbetter, Au.D. Every New Year, Americans across the nation resolve to lose weight, be healthier. Those goals have been proven even more important than you may think. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices may lead LEDBETTER to higher instances for hearing loss. A proven link has been discovered with people suffering from obesity that also experience hearing issues. Hearing loss is a highly prevalent condition affecting around 10 percent of the U.S. population (BHI, 2004). American estimates find that up to a third of women in their 50s and twothirds of women in their 60s suffer from some degree of hearing loss (Curhan, et al., 2013). Hearing loss can have an impact on communication and social interaction, as well as mental well-being and overall quality of life. Obesity and its comorbidities, which include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension, may be related to the development of hearing loss. In recent studies, higher body mass index (BMI) and larger waist circumference have been associated with poorer hearing thresholds (Curhan, et al., 2013). A 2013 study examined the relationship between BMI, physical activity and self-reported hearing loss in almost 69,000 women over a period of 20 years. The conclusion: higher BMI and larger waist circumference are associated with increased risk of hearing
Brain: Continued from Page 25 needs to hear. Your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint. And because no two are quite the same, no one else’s hearing profile is quite like yours. The right devices professionally selected and fit to your individual needs can: • Be virtually invisible • Allow you to hear in “3D” so you can follow conversations that come from different directions in a room. • Automatically select the best directional mode giving you clearer more natural sound - even in difficult hearing situations.
... American estimates find that up to a third of women in their 50s and two-thirds of women in their 60s suffer from some degree of hearing loss (Curhan, et al., 2013). loss in women, while higher physical activity contributed to a reduced risk. These findings provide evidence that maintaining healthy weight and staying physically active may reduce the risk of hearing loss (Curhan, et al., 2013). Awareness is the first step toward treating hearing loss. At North Fulton ENT, it is our top priority to help patients maintain the highest quality of life. Call us today for a COMPLIMENTARY HEARING SCREENING for yourself or a loved one: (770) 450-6508. Dr. Amy Ledbetter is the Director of Audiology at North Fulton Ear, Nose & Throat Associates. Dr. Ledbetter has been a practicing clinical audiologist for 19 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences in 1995 and then her Master’s degree in 1997 from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2009, she completed her doctoral degree from the University of Florida. • Wirelessly connect to your Cell phone, tablet, TV, and car Along with award-winning service, the Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center offers revolutionary pricing with initial costs often 30% to 40% less than typical because patients can choose to pay only for the hearing devices and not the 3-5 years of services “bundled” into the price. Complete diagnostic testing is provided along with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, and ear wax management. All major insurance plans are accepted, and no-interest finance plans are available. Contact Johns Creek Audiology at 770-814-1260 to schedule your life changing appointment. www.YourHearingLink.com
EMPTY NEST • Sponsored Section
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 27
Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is the New Signature in Assisted Living Retirement living should be exceptional living. Situated in one of the most desirable spots in Johns Creek, this new 100 apartment community is within close proximity to world-class healthcare facilities, cultural venues, fine shopping and dining. Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek is a one-of-a-kind community offering a luxurious lifestyle with concierge services, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and more, without a large investment or long-term commitment. “We are changing the way people live,” says Beth Richardson, Executive Director at Arbor Terrace. “Working with strong on-site partners in healthcare, including 24 hour nursing staff and on site therapy, we can provide as much or as little care as our residents
need.” Arbor Terrace’s goal is to provide the residents with comfort, security and peace of mind. This beautiful community has all the amenities you would expect including a fitness center with a variety of exercise and educational offerings as well as a vibrant social calendar. As Judd Harper, President of the Arbor Company points out, “We consider it our priority to help you stay fit and healthy. Our dedicated staff is committed to facilitating our residents’ physical, intellectual and cultural well-being.” For more information on Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, please call (770)-999-9577 and visit our website at www.at-johnscreek.com. Tours are available daily.
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COMMUNITY
28 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
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From left are EMT Katie Fralick, Leo Club members Jacob Schaad, Vianey Avila, Ian MacDonald and Ahmed Perryman, paramedic Carra Rau and EMT Bruno Galvao.
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ROSWELL, Ga. – What can calm a young child after an accident? That is a frequent problem faced by paramedics and EMTs when having to transport injured individuals in an ambulance. “On calls with little children, they get scared,” said EMT Katie Fralick, with Rural Metro, the emergency provider for much of North Fulton. “ To help with that, the ambulance crews have taken to carrying a number of stuffed animals with them to help children through difficult times. Simply encouraging a child to hug a stuffed animal helps the child relax, allowing the medical crew to more easily assess the child for any medical needs while helping to ease fears. “The animals keep the kids relaxed and entertained,” Fralick said.
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Carra Rau, a paramedic, agreed. “These are things the children can relate to,” she said. “It makes a lot of difference for the kids and makes my job easier.” Many of the animals are collected from the community. The newly formed Centennial High School Leo Club, the youth arm of the Lions Club, is leading the charge. Also donating are local Kohl’s stores in Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton. Lions Club member Bill Staley said he expects about 1,000 stuffed animals to be donated this year. Centennial’s Leo Club presented their collection of toys to Fralick, Rau and their ambulance crew Jan. 21. The Leo Club program gives young people the opportunity to serve their communities and make a positive impact. The club offers a way to have fun, make new friends and develop valuable leadership skills.
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 29
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30 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
SPORTS
West’s Staiti, South’s Myers named All Americans Both have committed to Maryland’s top recruiting class By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — West Forsyth’s Jenna Staiti and South Forsyth’s Sarah Myers were among 755 high school seniors from across the country nominated for the 2016 McDonald’s All American Games. While neither is on the final 24-player roster for the 12th annual girls game, which will be played March 30 at Chicago’s United Center, they are among just a dozen girls from Georgia to be nominated. Both five-star recruits, Staiti and Myers committed to Maryland in November, adding to the toptier recruiting class that ESPN has named the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation. All six players in Maryland’s 2016 recruiting class were nominated for the All American Games, including Staiti, Myers, Kaila Charles (Md.),
Staphanie Jones (Md.), Blair Watson (Md.), and Destiny Slocum (Ind.). Staiti, a 6-foot-6 center, is considered the No. 17 player in the nation according to ESPN. Staiti is averaging over 25 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks per game this season. West Forsyth is currently one game behind South Forsyth in the Region 6-AAAAAA standings. Surprisingly, Staiti is not a lifelong basketball player. She did not begin playing the sport until she was in middle school after switching to basketball from swimming competitively. Myers, a 5-foot-11 guard, led South in scoring with 25 points against West in their 65-62 win over West on Dec. 18 that has given South their one-game lead in the region standings. A four-year starter for the War Eagles, Myers has compiled over 2,000 career points. South has not finished outside the top-three in the region standings in Myers’ first three seasons and are seeking their second consecutive region championship this season.
South Forsyth’s Sarah Myers, left, and West Forsyth’s Jenna Staiti were nominated to play in the 2016 McDonald’s All-American game.
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 31
Local mosques open doors for better understanding Atlanta Muslim community invites neighbors inside to gain insights on tenets of Islam By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com
next,” Mumtaz told the guests. “And half of that [preparation] is marriage.” Asked what can be done by all ALPHARETTA, GA. – Last Saturday faiths to counteract not only so much in North Fulton and around metro negative information about Islam on Atlanta, the Muslim community threw the news almost daily but sectarian open the doors of their mosques to hatred as well, Mumtaz said everyone invite their neighbors to visit and gain must practice patience. a better understanding of what main“But do what is right. Represent stream Muslims believe. what is true. That is the right way to do Using the twitit,” he said. ter handle #VisitAHe conceded the MosqueATL, area Muslim community mosques designated may be too quiet in Jan. 23 as a time for the midst of sectarthe public at large to ian terror violence. come and visit with “Muslims who Muslims in their repractice [their faith] spective neighborhoods don’t talk much in casual settings. about it,” he said. Most mosques are “Those who do talk open to the public at a lot [about Islam] any time, but the Muspractice very little.” lim community wanted The leader of a to extend a special particular mosque, invitation to talk with the imam, is “the Muslims in their commost capable person munities as neighbors, MOIZ MUMTAZ, PH.D in that mosque – who Science advisor at the Centers for Disease should be a knowlsaid Moiz Mumtaz, Control and Prevention Ph.D., a science adviedgeable, pious, sor at the Centers for religious, trustworthy Disease Control and person in the comPrevention, Division of Toxicology and munity and is chosen by its members.” Environmental Medicine. Alpharetta’s imam is Asad Kahn. Speaking to around 30 residents He said Muslims try to use actions to at the North Fulton Islamic Center in counter the negativity of the terror done Alpharetta, Mumtaz patiently answered in the name of Islam that dominates visitors’ questions about the Islamic the news. faith, practices and beliefs. “Islam requires that we be just. “This life prepares the path in the The Quran tells us that justice is close
Muslims who practice [their faith] don’t talk much about it. Those who do talk a lot [about Islam] practice very little.”
to righteousness,” Kahn said. “It also says let not your enmity blind you from justice.” The residents who came to the Alpharetta mosque came to learn more about what Muslims believe and why so much violence is happening all over the world. “I was hungry for the opportunity to come here. What I hear on television is so heartbreaking,” one resident said. Mumtaz said Muslims share that heartbreak. They see events happen over which they have no control and pray that they don’t happen again. “I’m a student of Islam. And we are all representatives of our religion,” Mumtaz said. “And God is listening.” Julie Caines came from Woodstock to participate and to learn more about Islam, she said. “And I wanted to give my children a broader view of world religions,” Caines said. Milton resident Yvonne Chrimes said she came out of curiosity. “I’ve never been in a mosque. I think it is important to promote understanding among people. And I wanted to educate myself and I thought having a dialogue was the best way to do it,” said Chrimes. Windward resident Jane Rausch said she attends St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church “just up the street” and noted that Kahn had come to one of their adult classes. “I wanted to repay the visit and be welcoming to them,” Rausch said. “It is clear to me the message the marginal few we see and hear about in Iraq and Syria make is not what they espouse here.” Tom and Shirlee Wiener also attend
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Islamic Center of North Fulton Imam Asad Khan, left, and Moiz Mumtaz, Ph.D., who chairs the center’s construction committee, field questions from non-Muslim guests at the mosque’s Jan. 23 open house.
St. Thomas Aquinas and decided to come after St. Thomas’ Monsignor Daniel Stack recommended parishioners do so. “We wanted to find out as much as we could about all people in the world. The more people know about each other, the easier it is for us to live together,” Tom Wiener said. His wife agreed, saying the local community should welcome Muslims as neighbors. “We have Muslim friends and know Muslims we do business with,” Shirlee Wiener said. “So we weren’t surprised at the welcome we received here,” she said.
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32 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — New to the Humane Society of Forsyth County’s adoption program is this cutie, Spike. He’s an older kitten with plushy soft gray fur, like a stuffed animal but better. Spike is very friendly, and doesn’t shy away from attention. He is quick to greet and ask for some love. Possibly a Russian Blue, he’s a beautiful cat that’s as sweet as he is handsome.
Introducing Cloud. Another new face in the cat room, he’s a gentle gray and white kitty with some big, gorgeous eyes. A little shy at first, but it doesn’t take long for Cloud to ask for some attention. He’s affectionate and sweet. He would be a loving pet for a lucky family. There are times when a kitty’s name is right on the money, and Diva is one
of them. One of the first to greet in the cat room, Diva is very outgoing. She’s also extremely affectionate and so loving. Diva loves people, attention and love. She’s a great cat for someone who’s looking for cat with “purrrrrsonality,” but no attitude. Coco is a buff colored adult that’s looking for a home of his own. He’s new
to the cat room, and he loves visitors. He is affectionate and loving. Coco loves affection so much he probably would do best without any competition for it. Fill out an application for any of these cats online at forsythpets.com. Or meet them at the adoption center at 4440 Keith Bridge Road. Hours are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Sunday.
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ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 33
‘Beauty and The Beast’ a treat at Roswell Cultural Arts Center Showstoppers Youth Theater brings fairy tale musically alive
If you go What: Roswell Showstoppers presents “Beauty and The Beast” Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest St., 30075 When: Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 30, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. More info: 770-594-6232
By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – The Roswell Showstoppers will present “Beauty and The Beast” at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center featuring a huge cast and some talented singers. Three shows are planned for Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. and two shows Saturday, Jan.30, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Showstoppers Artistic Director Leslie Kelley said the youth theater group will feature 24 players, all from third grade through ninth. Showstoppers is a program of the Roswell Recreation and Parks Department. “We auditioned all of the parts. These kids have been great. But the biggest thing is that this is true musical theater,” Kelley said. “All of these kids sing, dance and act.” To get ready, the cast took dance lessons once a week, and rehearsed two times a week since September to get their roles down perfectly.
Even inanimate objects are characters in this Disney production. Heading the cast are Morgan Lanzo, a Milton freshman who plays Beauty, and Rex Rickson, an eighth-grader at Elkins Middle School, who plays The Beast. “The play they are doing is great.
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
But the ultimate goal is for these youngsters to learn as much as possible about true musical theater in its three disciplines – singing, dancing and acting,” she said. “All three are weighted the same.”
Kelley and Managing Director Nancy Whitehead have worked hard to prepare the cast for what is a demanding ensemble piece of theater. “The talent this year is really great,” Kelley said. “They are ready for an audience.” As is the case in most young people’s theater, it falls to the parents and volunteers to make the costumes and props and paint the scenery. Everything has been “built from scratch,” said Kelley, except for some of the more elaborate gowns, which are rented. The play is the Disney version and runs 90 minutes. This is the third year for Showstoppers to appear on the main stage at the Roswell Arts Center. Last year’s production was “The Little Mermaid.”
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34 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
SCHOOLS
Feds limit intrusion into classrooms Revised education law returns local control By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA — The national push away from mandatory assessments and the diminished role federal government in the classroom could signal a return to more local control of public schools. But whether Georgia education officials follow the lead on high-stakes testing and teacher evaluations remains to be seen. In December, the U.S. Congress finally put the No Child Left Behind Act out of its misery by replacing the seldom-enforced law with the Every Student Succeeds Act. Originally passed in 2002, NCLB aimed to have all students at grade level within 10 years. But the law had mixed results, and within 15 years, most states were granted waivers to implement their own plans. The ESSA takes a much lighter touch with federal involvement, explained Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas P. Fordham Institute, an education think tank based in Wash-
ington, D.C. Under the ESSA, most of the hallmarks of NCLB are gone, including requirements for teacher evaluation systems, provisions for highly qualified teachers, and choice options/ supplemental services and penalties for low-performing schools. The burden is now on states to improve the quality of education in their own backyard. During a Jan. 8 media symposium hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, Petrilli said the ESSA “very much gives significant authority back to the states” and is the counter reaction to the NCLB. “There was a sense in Washington, certainly with Republicans but among Democrats as well, that there had been an era of overreach starting with NCLB, Race to the Top, and [other education reforms] that went too far,” said Petrilli. But the federal government did not completely cut states loose with ESSA. The mandate remains for states to have an annual testing requirement that identifies the lowest-performing students and schools. However the federal government now only mandates annual testing in English and math in grades 3-8, once in high
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school, and in science three times (once in elementary, middle and high school). In Georgia, the annual assessment, Milestones, goes far beyond the federal requirement, annually testing students in English, math, social studies and science in grades 3-12. Test scores are the basis for not only 20 percent of the student grade in high school, but also 50 percent of the teacher’s evaluation. A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Education said no immediate changes will be made to the state’s assessment program, which still operates under the waiver from NCLB until the state’s ESSA plan is approved. “Georgia law requires the assessment of science in grades 3-8 and in two high school science courses, so in that regard, we go beyond what the feds require,” said Matt Cardoza of the GDOE. “There are no federal assessment requirements for social studies — that is all Georgia.” As far as the highly controversial teacher evaluations, there has been no action to tweak the mandates, which are a legislative issue, according to GDOE officials. But with the federal mandate now gone, the decision comes down to Georgia. “The state can ditch the teacher
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Georgia law requires the assessment of science in grades 3-8 and in two high school science courses, so in that regard, we go beyond what the feds require.” MATT CARDOZA GDOE
evaluation system because [lawmakers] can no longer say ‘the feds are making us do it’, because they no longer are,” said Petrilli. Under ESSA, state plans for school improvement have to be approved by the U.S. Department of Education, however the law clearly states the secretary of education cannot deny plans that meet the “letter of the law.” “The [law authors] are trying to keep the [federal government] from saying ‘no’ to the states unless they find something that is clearly not meeting the letter of the law,” said Petrilli.
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36 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
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SCHOOLS
Andrew Newmark, Katherine Knosher, Emily Moses, Natalie Warren, Parker Moss, Kathleen Briner, Danielle Hajjar, Laura Ahrens, Vivian Truong, Joseph Davern, Jessica Douglass, Cori Bruce, Claire Neiland, Emily Buckingham, Maren Myslinski, Blakeley Sutton, Kaitlin Greenway, Francesca Brasch, Cavan Miller, Sandra Schodowski, Nicholas Hanchey, Daniel Amram, Abbey Chakalos and Skyler Herson, From Cumming: Megan Conroy, Virginia Lentz, Ryan Austin, Rachel Pyden Rachael Waldrop, Emma Niemi, Jennifer Brogden, Alexandra Terrell, Tristan Hall, Jordan Thomas, Courtney Merritt, Serena Spence, Kristen Pack, Kelli Burke, Lauren O’Donoghue, Jordan Cooley, Emma Adams, Sarah Brenner, Katelyn Geiger, Jessica Pershing, Morgan Fitzpatrick, Claire Cogland, Nick Palmer, Alexis Bump, Adam Binder, Katherine Boss, Nicholas Childs, Jared Schlemmer, Zachary Brown, Ryan Butz, Haley Ashworth, Aven Rosario, Emily Moore, Katherine Perry, Sean Ryan Brophy, Stephen Hewell, Abigail Knox, Abigail Kahler, Will Harper, Teri Priest, Taylor Svehla, Rachel Hartz, Meagan Morales, Carolina Martinez, Zachary Webber, Joshua Shepherd, Camille Godbold, Madison Thomas, Alexander Poppe, Samantha Miller, Kacie Bapst, Lydia Haydel, John Webb, Helena Siewert, Evan Freeman, Sabrina Brant, Kayla Draffin, Savannah Chapman, Natalee Laye, Lauren Rebhandl, Elizabeth Hubbard, Samuel Perryman and Neal Stouse.
From Johns Creek-Duluth: Meghan Brieck, Erica Misener, Emily Johnson, Paul Bain, Natalie Rames, Mackenzie Light, Anna Sweney, Olivia Silva, Tucker Korb, Stephanie Shin, Megan Williamson, Amanda Ferry, Kathryn Davis, Kyle Thomas, Travis Skillingstad, Brianna Tejeda, Eve Wise, Zach Ross, Jenna Wiederholt, Haley Williams, Ashley Han, Patrick Armstrong, Sydney Hooley, Taylor Keil, Riley Coordes, Fritz Young, Christina Pryles, Meredith Phillips, Kimberly Linder, Emily Blackwood, Lizl Kruger, Thomas Jones, Chantelle Kiernan, Ciera Stewart, Alaina Hamade, Joshua Slovin, Rachel Rice, Sohan Desai, John Bills, Karin Chappelle, Christina Bignotti, Bridgett Armstrong, Marisa Cervasio, Bryanna Guynn, Rebecca Mayo, Chloe Eng, Klaire Fisher, Christina Bignotti and Kelly Rockers. From Milton: Jackson Beard, Abigail Lee, Michael Purpura, Abbey Jordan, Ashton Serff, David Ward, Caroline Glover, Lauren Duffy, Evan Fields, Alec Miller, Mary Cash, Emily Liebel, Caitlin Pease, Paul Anderson, Emily Fishman, Connor Bell, Olivia Adams, Allison Esposito and Joseph Sousa. From Roswell: Harrison Stewart, Mary Carter Putman, Elizabeth Renfrow, Madison Meharg, Sophia Moesser, Matthew Cernilli, Kelsey Lambert, Samantha Clay, Nicole Reagan, Ryan Stanley, Madeleine Karno, Cara Zucker, Madeline Bolger, Jessie McCormick, Bradley Spinner, Samantha Parrish, Julianne Price,
Amir Abdallah, McKensie Podell, Katelyn Smalley, Dale Ernest, Maryn Perlson, Geena Montes-Sabino, Jennifer Gold, Margaret Snoddy, Aaron Craft, Morgan McGrane, Shelby Hatcher, Thomas McCarter, Paul Rearick, Chadwick O’Neal, Harrison O’Neal, Michael Hughes, Chase Hutchins, Hollin Kroeber, William Anderson, Suzanne Keim, Parker Davis, Lia Gonzalez, Emily Garvin, Marc Dubuc, Ashley Savransky, Allison Jacques, Austin Nijenkamp, Ariana Fernandez, Tiffany Bennett, Kelley Quinn and Jeremy Grove. From Suwanee: Garrett Amendola, Emily Cooper, Audra Crabbe, Thomas Ariano, Zachary Khashan, Raija Rolle, Alex Hartz, Ravi Rawal, Hayden Fouts, Sean Vitale, Matthew Corley, Kristin Brannigan, Ashton Fulco, Courtney Carlan, Mitchell Sadler, Steven Geshrick, Andrew Westbrook of Suwanee, Mateusz Debczynski, Lindsey Lawrence, Ivy Varenhorst, Lynden Huffman, Monica Nufio, Matthew Hogberg, Samuel Gravitt, Bridget Riley, Kayla Guy, William Guilshan, John Kleid, Michael Rhodes, Kennedy Miller, Zachary Sine, Abby Agee, Mallory Sears, Rachael Kutuk, Kyle Smith, Madison Sherlock, Gabrielle Gregory, Zachary Davis, Kyle Kinsler, Brian Warstadt, Katherine-Anne Howard, Rachel Van Dyke, Brittney Schwind, Mitchell Brannan, Marianna Edmond, Jacob Porter, Abigail Collins, Katelyn Botta, Michael Shaw, Harry Lambert and Marah Schiavinato.
COMMUNITY
ForsythHerald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 37
Forsyth to participate in Arrests: Give Kids A Smile Day 2016
Continued from Page 2
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County will celebrate Give Kids A Smile Day on Friday, February 5 by providing free dental care to Forsyth County students. This year marks the seventh year of the collaboration between Forsyth County Schools, local dental practices and United Way of Forsyth. Through the continued generosity of local dental practices this year, students will receive free dental services which will include examinations, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments and in some cases, more extensive services.
Once again, local dental practices have stepped up to support the program by the giving of their time and expertise. If not for the willingness of the dentists to give back to their community, many of these students would go untreated. The dental practices who have opened their hearts and will be participating in this year’s event are: • Advanced Dental Associates • Cumming Dental Care • Dr. Leslie Hehir • Lanier Dental Partners • Smiles for Kids
►► Rachel Elizabeth Davis, 37, of
Montclair Trail, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 11 on Post Road in Cumming for DUI. ► ► Stacy Alan Gauther, 44, of Heardsville Road, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 12 on Watson Road in Cumming for DUI, failure to maintain lane and too fast for conditions.
Drug arrests ►► Ricky Lee Angel, 24, of Lula,
Georgia, was arrested Jan. 8 on Shady Grove Road in Cumming for possession of marijuana.
►► Gordon Reed Brossard, 22, of
McFarland Parkway, Alpharetta, was arrested Dec. 30 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of a scheduled IV controlled substance. ►► Robert Harrison Hodge, 22, of Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, was arrested Dec. 30 on McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, possession of a scheduled II and III controlled substance, and possession of drug-related items. ► ► Hubert Herbert Fisher, 63, of Virginia Avenue, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 2 on Virginia Avenue in Cumming for possession of methamphetamines with intent to distribute, possession of drug-related items and failure to maintain lane.
Main Street Commons Office Condo Park, Heart Of Downtown Alpharetta. Single Story Office Condo 1104 SF, 3 Offices, Reception Area, Conference & Break Rooms, Storage Closet, very nice finishes. $1385/ month. 1020 Powers Place. Linda.Ekes@ccgatl.com
SERVICE DIRECTORY Handyman
Cleaning Services Need a housecleaning? Call Norma Martinez for free estimate! References. 404-4687667. “I get all your dust to earn your trust!”
Driveway We fix UGLY driveways. $50 OFF any concrete job over $250 $250 OFF any job over $3500 New or Repair: Driveways, patios, sidewalks, walls. Residential or Commercial. Call for FREE estimate. The Best Concrete CompanyAsk for Dave McKemey. 678-914-2576. P r o f e s s i o n a l , competitive, many local references.
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Flooring PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes. Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-887-1868 for free estimate. Flooring Installation & Repairs: Carpet, Ceramic, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl, Wood. Free Estimates! I can remove carpet wrinkles! Satisfaction G u a r a n t e e d ! 706-429-4453
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Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling etc. Many local references. Call Ralph Rucker at 678-898-7237
® HANDYMAN REMODELING
10% OFF remodels 30 yrs. exp./FREE ESTIMATES • 1 YR WARRANTY/Lic. & Ins. Gutters AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www. aarons-gutters.com. Senior citizen discount! 770-934-2766
Handyman Kitchen & Bath Remodeling
Plumbing,Electrical and Drywall Repair and Installation Complete home maintenance We do it all! Call Mike 678-763-2420
ALL CARPENTRY & REPAIRS: Roof Leaks, Wood Rot Repair, Siding, Deck Repairs and Refinishing, Painting, Doors/Windows. Excellent References. 404-895-0260 RELIABLE HOME REPAIRS: 20 years experience. References. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, wood rot repair, siding, painting, pressure washing. Free estimates! 770-605-0340
Haulers Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling etc. Many local references. Call Ralph Rucker at 678-898-7237
Need work done on your home?
Call the Experts in the SERVICE DIRECTORY
Home Improvement Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932. Remodeling, handyman. 31 years experience. Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting, flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms. All insurance. Credit cards accepted. Paul Finegan 404-353-5611
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will really make your ad stand out. Ask your sales rep about making all or part of your ad bold. 770-442-3278
Painters
Advantage Painting
forsythherald.com | Forsyth Herald | January 27, 2016 | 39
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Thank you for reading the classifieds.
CADNET ADS
Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license identification or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.
Adoptions
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Thank you for reading the classifieds.
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40 | January 27, 2016 | Forsyth Herald | ForsythHerald.com
#1 Real Estate Agency 540 Lake Center Pkwy, Ste. 201 in North Georgia! Cumming, GA 30040 678-341-7400 | www.KW.com Christy Scally Keller Williams
Susan M. Brack Keller Williams
Office: 678.341.7400 | Mobile: 404.660.2919 Fax: 678.341.7401 | Christy@AgentScally.com www.AgentScally.com Follow Me @
Office: 678.341.7400 | Mobile: 770.905.4156 Fax: 678.341.7981 | SusanBrack@kw.com www.SusanMBrack.com Follow Me @ • Serving North Fulton & Forsyth Counties • Experienced, principled, real estate professional • Driven to serve, committed to excellence • Designs customized client solutions • Member KW Agent Leadership Council (ALC), top 20% producer
If this is YOUR year to buy or sell a home, put The Susan Brack Team to work for you!
If you are thinking of selling your home, list with a Christy Scally • Top Producer • Serves on Agent Leadership Council and Leadership Forsyth • Active Member of Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce • Recognized for 10+ Customer Service
Cumming sold for $405,000
Johns Creek sold for $552,000
115 Founders Cove Alpharetta for sale $317,900
2016 CAREER NIGHT
Interested in a Career in Real Estate? Learn how to BE A SUCCESS!
• Control your income with opportunities • Let us give you all the tools you need to be successful • Join the #1 REAL ESTATE COMPANY in the WORLD • Join the #1 TRAINING COMPANY • Learn to run your business like a business • Have a broker designated to all new agents • Build a career worth having, a business worth owning and a life worth living
Date/Time February 4, 2016 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
March 5th, 2016 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location
KW Community Partners 540 Lake Center Pkwy. Ste. 201 Cumming, GA 30040
Call or email to reserve your spot today! 678.575.6466 | celiareis@kw.com